Day |
Port |
| 1 |
Sail from Vancouver
|
| 2 |
Inside Passage scenic cruising
Steep coastal mountains and marine wildlife will be the backdrop to a relaxing day at sea. Whether with a massage in the Greenhouse Spa, a cooking lesson in the Culinary Arts Center or a session of blackjack in the casino your five-star ship offers both exciting daily activity and elegant service. |
| 3 |
Tracy Arm & twin Sawyer Glaciers scenic cruising; afternoon in Juneau
Tracy Arm is home to the beautiful twin Sawyers Glaciers where spires of ice calve into the fjord with a thunderous splash. In Juneau , you'll have the day to explore the Tongass National Forest and downtown's quant shops, rowdy saloons and scenic vistas from atop the Mt. Roberts Tram. |
| 4 |
Skagway
Disembark and meet your Tour Director and relive the Days of 1898. At the turn of the century, thousands of gold seekers poured into Skagway . They gathered at the head of the Lynn Canal where supplies could be purchased for provisioning their outfits. They lingered to enjoy the saloons and other touches of "civilization" but became prey to Soapy Smith, a local villain who operated nefarious con games. Learn the history and lore of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park on a two-hour tour. Then spend the rest of the day exploring on your own or taking advantage of a wide array of optional excursions - everything from bike riding sport fishing. |
| 5 |
Skagway/Whitehorse
Follow in the footsteps of the stampeders as you board the nostalgic 108-year-old White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad and climb from sea level to 3,000 feet through some of Alaska 's most spectacular country. Then board a luxury motor coach and cross into Canada 's Yukon Territory . Imagine how Tormented Valley got its name as you glide in complete comfort past Emerald Lake and Miles Canyon , challenging country for "cheechakos" (first-time prospectors). Today's discussion by your driver and Tour Director will focus on the region's natural and gold rush history. Arriving in Whitehorse , the capital of the Yukon , you'll check into your downtown. Tonight, kick up your heels at the uproarious Frantic Follies Vaudeville Revue (included) and surrender to the Yukon 's allure. |
| 6 |
Kluane National Park
Visit a part of the Great Land few ever see. This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses the second tallest mountain in North America - Mt. Logan - and numerous other titanic peaks. The world's largest non-polar ice field is a Kluane attraction best appreciated on a flightseeing excursion. Designed exclusively for Holland America guests, local interpreters lead you on your choice of hikes from strenuous - up King's Throne , or easy - around Kathleen Lake . And all feature rich wildlife habitat and superb scenery. River rafting on the magnificent Class IV Tatshenshini River is an all-day adventure that you'll never forget. |
| 7 |
Whitehorse/Beaver Creek
You're off along the Alaska Highway past the peaks of the St. Elias Mountains and the sparkling waters of scenic Kluane Lake . Spend the day marveling at ancient, glacier-carved valleys. Today's discussion by your driver and Tour Director will focus on native history and culture in the Yukon as well as the history of the Alaska Highway . We welcome you to remote Beaver Creek , Canada 's westernmost settlement, with our famed Yukon Rendezvous Dinner Show (included). |
| 8 |
Beaver Creek/Fairbanks
Enjoy more sights along the Alaska Highway . Scenes of the Tetlin Wildlife Refuge blend with the distant peaks of the Wrangell Mountains . Soon you'll be driving past Delta Junction, the TransAlaska Pipeline and crossing the Tanana River . Today's discussion by your driver and Tour Director will focus on life above the Arctic Circle and the local wildlife. A pause at the famed Rika's Roadhouse along the original wagon road echoes the past and offers tempting homemade pies. Today's discussion will focus on gold mining and the local natural history. Arrive in Alaska 's "Golden Heart" city of Fairbanks for an overnight stay downtown. |
| 9 |
Fairbanks
We have a full day planned - lunch included. Start your adventure aboard the sternwheeler Discovery III for native culture, gold rush history, and local color. You'll even meet Susan Butcher of Iditarod fame, or members of her family, and watch a bush pilot demonstration. At Gold Dredge No. 8, a National Historic Site, you'll browse the mining exhibits and pan for gold during an informative tour. Tonight, explore under the Midnight Sun on a choice of optional tours. |
| 10 |
Fairbanks/Denali National Park
Today you'll board the McKinley Explorer , the largest domed railcars on the historic Alaska Railroad route, an Alaska Scenic Byway. Sit back and relax in the observation lounge and watch magnificent scenery glide by. You'll arrive and check into your comfortable lodge and later, enjoy a 6-8 hour official Tundra Wilderness Tour of Denali National Park . Travel deep into the park for excellent chances of seeing wildlife - caribou, moose, grizzly, wolves and Dall sheep are frequently sighted. And enjoy dramatic Mt. McKinley viewpoints. Tonight, stroll the Nenana River-view trail and enjoy your accommodations at your inviting lodge, the finest at the park. |
| 11 |
Denali National Park
Craft your own Denali experience during your extra day of unscheduled time. Relax at your lodge, and then hike to Horseshoe Lake . Take a shuttle to the fabulous new Visitor Center and join a Park-Ranger hike from there. Opt for touring via helicopter, horseback, jet boat, mountain bike or river raft. Meet dog mushers, homesteaders and trappers to see what life is like in the bush. Tonight take in the rip roaring musical at the Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre (optional). There's so much to see and do and the long daylight hours make it possible to explore more than you ever dreamed possible. |
| 12 |
Denali/Anchorage
Wake up to a morning at leisure that you can fill as you please. Re-board the McKinley Explorer and enjoy optional lunch and dinner in the elegant dining room while you take in the sights on the way to Anchorage . You?ll arrive and transfer to your downtown hotel for an overnight stay in Alaska 's largest city. Say "good-bye" to your Tour Director. |
| 13 |
Transfer to the Anchorage Airport. Tour Ends |
